Detachable Clippers Review + Buyer’s Guide

You might be a busy barber contemplating getting a detachable clipper because you work in a shop that serves many customers daily. If so, congratulations to you and your community!

You need something that goes through thick hair easily and swiftly. Enter the detachable clipper. Detachable clippers are hair clippers that are designed to trim down large volumes of hair quickly. Think of it this way; your classic adjustable clippers are your precision tools, and a detachable hair clipper is your power tool.

The Detachable Clippers vs. Adjustable Clippers Debate:

You might be asking, “Why should I invest in a precision tool that’s much more expensive than the standard adjustable clipper? A tool that requires multiple sets of razor blades that will drive up the price more?” Honestly, it’s just down to preference and technique. Your classic adjustable clipper might be good enough for you. However, you might be looking for something with that extra oomph to deal with many clients. Something that regular adjustable clippers have a harder time doing.

Consider that you can save the blades on your adjustable clippers by reserving them for more precision handling, such as cleaning up a trim. Imagine using a Dremel to chop down a tree instead of a chainsaw. We are exaggerating, of course. But the analogy works. Let the detachable clippers take the load! Some barbers even prefer using detachable clippers for skin fades because of the variable blade sizes. An excellent explanation of using detachable blades for skin fades can be found here.

Either way, you cannot choose to have one over the other. Sometimes, you might need the power and speed of a detachable clipper blade or the precision and ease of use of an adjustable blade clipper. It’s best to have both ready and close at hand for when a situation calls for it.

We have several reviews on clippers and shavers. Check these out as well if you want to expand your arsenal of tools.

Corded or Cordless?

All detachable clippers work the same way. However, a big difference between the best models out there is how they are powered. Some use a battery system, while others run plugged into a wall socket. For some barbers, having a cordless clipper is essential for their technique, while others are okay with working with a corded clipper.

The main benefit of having a cordless clipper is that it is cordless. Obvious right? Handling a tool not connected to any cord can open up new techniques or improve your rhythm and workflow. However, you would have to work with and around the cord for corded clippers, but some of us just get used to it. For cordless, you do not have to worry about batteries or charging.

The main thing to consider with cordless clippers, besides their hair-trimming efficiency and performance, is their battery life and charge time. Since most detachable trimmers run nonstop for about 2 to 3 hours, a busy day might require you to charge your clippers about 2 to 3 times daily. Sometimes, investing in a second battery pack for your detachable clipper might be necessary to keep working and avoid charging time.

Again it mostly depends on preference, and we definitely can’t tell you how to do your thing. If you do consider acquiring a detachable clipper, we have a list of what we think are the best detachable clippers out there.

 

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Andis Supra ZR II

The Andis Supra ZR II is a cordless, battery-powered detachable clipper that many prefer in the trade. An improvement upon the discontinued Andis Supra ZR, The Supra ZR II features a removable battery pack. This gives the Supra ZR II the option of having a backup battery pack.

Pros: The Andis ZR Supra II is a must-have tool. It has a 5-way switch that switches between speeds. This could be handy when you need SPMs (strokes per minute.) On its maximum power setting, the blade runs at a powerful 3800 SPMs. This detachable clipper will cut through any hair type like a hot knife through butter.

The Andis ZR Supra II sports a permanently lubricated rotary motor that delivers power without needing constant lubrication and maintenance.

The clipper comes free with a 000 blade and a 1 blade. A pro since individual blades could cost about $20 to $30.

The Andis Supra ZR II detachable clipper sports a Lithium-ion battery pack that lasts about 3 hours and charges up to the full in 2. Although we recommend purchasing a second battery pack for cordless detachable clippers —when possible— to have a handy backup and cut down on charging time, downtime won’t be an issue for the Andis ZR Supra II because its charges to full in 2 hours, and lasts for 3. If you run out but don’t have a backup battery pack, the Andis Supra ZR II comes with a corded adapter.

Regarding ergonomics, the Andis Supra ZR II’s body naturally fits the hand’s contours. At 1.10 lbs. (approx 0.5 kilos), handling is easy.

Cons: The Andis Supra ZR II detachable clipper leans towards the expensive side. At around $260 to $300, it could potentially make a dent in your budget since, with detachable clippers, you would have to buy the detachable blades separately as well.

Bottom line: The Andis Supra ZR II is a solid choice for a cordless detachable clipper and is a favorite among barbers. The option to run at 5 different speeds makes this clipper a versatile tool for your arsenal.

 

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Oster Classic 76 Universal Motor Clipper

The Oster Classic 76 is a corded detachable clipper—a true classic, as its name suggests. If you went to barber school and have learned about detachable clippers, the Classic 76 is probably what you have practiced with. This has been around for a long time and is still used today because it is an old reliable workhorse. It gets the job done with 0 percent fuss.

Pros: The Oster Classic 76 detachable clipper runs on a heavy-duty universal rotary motor. Universal rotary motors use gears to deliver torque and power to the blades. Although requiring maintenance now and then, they are more reliable and powerful than permanent rotary motors.

The Oster Classic 76 also comes with a 000 and 1 blade, always a pro with detachable clippers.

The housing of the Oster Classic 76 is tough as nails. If you are prone to dropping your clippers occasionally, the Classic 76 will survive a drop or ten. The grooves on its body also help with grip and handling. It is aesthetically pleasing as well. It gives off an industrial, brutalist vibe that accentuates its reputation as a detachable clipper.

The universal motor in the Oster Classic 76 detachable clipper runs at slower speeds. This allows the Classic 76 to run cooler than other detachable clippers, allowing it to be used longer.

Because it is wired, the lack of a need for batteries and a charging stand allows the Oster Classic 76 detachable clipper to be manufactured at a more affordable price.

Cons: Some might be turned off by the Oster Classic 76 detachable clipper’s need for periodic maintenance, so we’ll list this as a con.

The Classic 76 weighs 2.2 lbs (approx. 1 kg.) Its weight, combined with the cylindrical shape and the presence of a cord, could take some getting used to ergonomically.

Bottom line: The Oster Classic 76 detachable clipper is reliable, powerful, and dependable, always getting the job done. Bonus style points if you get it in brown.

 

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Oster Model 10 Detachable Clippers

The Oster Model 10 detachable clipper is a smaller, lighter version of the Oster Classic 76. It delivers the reliability of the Classic 76 in an easier-to-handle package.

Pros: Although it is essentially a smaller Classic 76, the motor inside is the same. It has the same pros as the Classic 76, namely, its universal rotary motor construction, which allows it to run cool for longer periods.

Since The Oster Model 10 detachable clipper’s schtick is that it is a lighter, shorter, and more mobile version of the Classic 76, it sports a 10-foot power cord which allows it to be more portable than the Classic 76.

The Oster Model 10 detachable clipper has a 000 and 1 blade like the Classic 76. Another nice thing about the Model 10 is that it’s compatible with Classic 76 blades. So, if you have built up a collection of detachable blades for the Classic 76, you could use those for the Model 10, eliminating the need to buy extra blades. The Model 10 also comes with a blade guard, blade oil, and a cleaning brush.

The Oster Model 10 detachable clipper is as robust and affordable as the Classic 76. Need I say more?

Cons: The limitations of the Classic 76 —its power cord— hinder the Oster Model 10, although you could quickly get used to it.

Even though it’s a lighter version of the Classic 76, The Oster Model 10 detachable clipper still weighs quite a lot at 1.95 lbs (0.88 kg.)

Bottom line: If you love the Oster Classic 76, you will love its little brother, the Oster Model 10

 

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Oster Titan Detachable Clippers

The Oster Titan detachable clipper, like the Oster Model 10, is a variant of the Oster Classic 76. The Oster Titan’s 2-speed option sets it apart from the Classic 76.

Pros: The Oster Titan detachable clipper runs with a universal rotary motor system similar to the Model 10 and the Classic 76. This gives it the same benefits as the Classic 76 has; a slow yet powerful, which provides a more excellent performance. It is a bit lighter than the Classic 76 at 1.9 lbs (0.86 kg.)

Its 2-speed feature gives the Oster Titan more versatility in trimming hair. The slower speed could be used to trim thinner and finer hair, while its max speed can be used for thicker hair.

Like the Oster Classic 76 and the Model 10, it comes with 2 blades; a 000 and a 1. It also takes blades made for the Classic 76, which could save you a few bucks since The Oster Titan detachable clipper is a little dearer than the Classic 76.

Cons: The Oster Titan detachable clipper costs about $70 to $90 more than the Classic 76. You get the same speed as the Classic 76 at the max setting of the Oster Titan, so you pay quite a bit more for the heavy-duty 2-speed motor clipper option.

The Oster Titan is also corded like the Classic 76 and the Model 10. This impacts its ease of use.

Bottom line: If you like the performance, reliability, and durability of the Oster Classic 76 but would prefer the versatility of variable speed settings like the Andis Supra ZR II, then pick this up.

 

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Oster Octane Detachable Clipper

Have you noticed the trend yet? The Oster Octane detachable clipper is a cordless and battery-powered version of the Oster Classic 76. We love the performance and durability of the Oster Classic 76, so the cordless version will definitely make our list.

Pros: It is essentially a cordless Classic 76: a pro indeed! This is an excellent addition to your toolkit for barbers who love the reliability of the Classic 76 but would prefer a cordless system like the Andis Supra ZR II.

The charging stand for the Oster Octane detachable clipper features 2 charging slots. One takes the Octane clippers, and another takes an Octane battery pack. If you purchase a backup battery pack for the Oster Octane detachable clipper, you can charge the clipper and the backup pack simultaneously. This allows the Oster Octane to perform with no downtime whatsoever.

The Oster Octane detachable clipper uses a Lithium-ion battery that lasts about 2 hours and will run at a constant speed until it loses its juice. Like all the other Oster detachable clippers featured in the list, The Octane has a 000 and a 1 blade.

Ergonomically speaking, the Oster Octane comes in a sleeker form compared to the Oster Classic 76, which, combined with its cordless nature, leads to a more effortless handling experience.

Cons: The price of an Oster Octane detachable clipper carries quite a bit of heft. At about $400, it could be a pretty costly investment considering that you have to buy extra detachable blades. Although if you have Classic 76 blades, those are also compatible with the Octane.

Bottom line: it is the priciest detachable clipper on the list. But, it possesses Oster’s reputation for reliability. For that reason, Octane is a mainstay in barber shops around the globe.

 

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Wahl 5-Star Mentor

Wahl. Surely you have heard of Wahl. You probably already own a few Wahl trimmers and clippers for a good reason. Wahl is a standard in the barber industry, and they also offer a detachable clipper system. Enter the Wahl 5-Star Mentor detachable clipper.

Pros: First and foremost, the Wahl 5 Star Mentor comes with 4 detachable blades right out of the box. a 000, 0A, 1, and a 1A. At around $250, the Wahl 5 Star Mentor detachable clipper is an easy and affordable option allowing you to start on haircuts such as fades without purchasing additional blades.

The Wahl 5 Star Mentor runs on a brushless rotary motor system that can switch between 2 speeds. The low-speed setting gives you 3000 SPM, and the high-speed setting gives runs at a whopping 3700 SPM, providing you with variety and versatility.

The brushless rotary motor system allows the Wahl 5-Star Mentor to run quietly. Much quieter than something like an Oster Classic 76. Choosing a detachable clipper system could be a positive consideration because a loud tool could unsettle and even scare children.

Cons: The Wahl 5-Star Mentor is corded. So, if you find it hard working with a corded clipper, take this into consideration

Bottomline: For barbers starting out or those who want to acquire a detachable clipper system, the 4 blades with the Wahl 5 Star Mentor could save you a few bucks. The Wahl 5 Star Mentor detachable blade clipper is a budget yet high-quality clipper with the Wahl name.

 

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Notes and Points on Detachable Clipper Systems

No Fine Adjustments

Detachable clippers cannot be finely adjusted for blade lengths, unlike adjustable clippers. Due to their construction, the handy levers on adjustable clippers are absent on detachable clippers systems, so it is necessary to obtain multiple detachable blades to perform finer trims. This makes detachable clipper systems costlier.

Less Wear and Tear

Because multiple blades are used in detachable clipper systems, the cumulative wear and tear on the individual edges are less compounded than in an adjustable clipper. Changing guard sizes for adjustable clippers allows you to trim at different lengths. Still, only a single blade does all the trimming, which means that the blade in an adjustable clipper gets used up more than the individual blades used in detachable clippers.

Noise

Detachable clippers make a lot more noise than regular clippers. When working with children, this must be taken into consideration. A loud clipper could make children uncomfortable and prone to moving a lot. In the worst cases, it could scare them off completely.

Slow Speed

Detachable clippers run at slow but powerful speeds. This makes it ideal for trimming hair en masse. Take this property of detachable clippers into consideration, especially when working with clients with skin tags or moles, and take extra care to avoid accidents.

Improve Your Efficiency With a Detachable Clipper

Having a detachable clipper on hand allows you to work faster and be more efficient, mainly when dealing with many clients on a busy day. With price points ranging from $200 and potentially up to $500 if we consider the cost of detachable blades, a detachable clipper system will surely set you back by quite a lot, but it is an investment that will improve your work.